But something was totally missing. Something to fill that giant gaping hole staring at you right when you enter the room.

I brainstormed a few options and landed on some sort of basket to hold a few cozy throws for our guests. I really wanted another rope utility basket. Have you seen them? I love.

They offer of softness and texture and something about them just makes me smile. In fact, I splurged on one during a flash sale last year for the playroom, and it's been really fantastic for the kids. However, coming in typically between $70 and $100 {or between $40-$60 on sale}, they absolutely are not a guest bedroom budget friendly option.

So I decided to make one myself!

The idea was simple. I had some extra rope from our DIY canvas bin handles (cotton filler cord found at JoAnn with a coupon or online on Amazon), so it would only be a matter of purchasing some more and wrapping it around a dollar store basket.

So, off to the dollar store I went. My particular store had a variety of baskets, but for the size I wanted, unfortunately for me they only carried a black option...

But that is what spray paint is for right?

I will save the step by step spray paint process, but basically it was a coat of primer and two coats of matte white, left to cure for two days. I only worried about the inside since the outside would be covered by the magical rope.

I did a test run of wrapping the rope around the basket. Based on how much I was able to get around the basket, I figured I would need about five packages of rope total. I already had almost one full package left from my last project. I bought six more just to be safe. At $2.99 a pack, it was already becoming a bit more expensive than I was hoping....

In looking at the rope I made a last minute decision that I wanted to bring in some color. That the creamy colored cotton rope would be a little bland in the room. But I was already home from the craft store and ready to get started {and the craft store is over 30 minutes away}... so I needed to think about potential ways to turn the rope a new shade. The only thing I could come up with was to mix a little bit of paint with water....

The trick to getting the color to stick to the rope was to actually squeeze the rope under the water so it would absorb it. Then, it was a waiting game while it took a few days to sit out and dry...

I thought stripes/alternating color would be good, so I only colored half of my rope stash.

Once the rope was dry and the spray paint was cured, it finally came time to attach the rope to the basket. This part was easy peasy but a bit time consuming.

Using a hot glue gun, we just ran the glue and pushed down the rope... we started under the basket lip to get a nice straight starting line.

Then we just kept on going, around and around and around. Yes, we used the glue along every inch of the rope, just to be sure it would be nice and sturdy since the basket really wasn't {it was only a buck, you get what you pay for}.

It was stacking up oh so nicely! We continued until the entire thing was covered.... And then added rope around the top as well to give it a nice finished look.

The inside isn't the most glamorous looking, it looks like a white basket with rope wrapped around it. But once the blankets and throws are inside, it's all good!

I quickly popped it into it's new home. I adore!

Making for an oh so pretty before and after story!

Total cost for supplies came in at around $20, since I used each package of the rope I purchased. It also took about four days since I had so much hurry up and wait time for paint to dry. In the end, not as quick and cheap as I thought it would be, but it was still far less than my inspiration basket and customized to fit my needs so I will check it off as a win!

It also inspired me to look at other basket wrapping options and check out less expensive finish alternatives such as jute and twine...

Anyone else been making over dollar store finds lately? How about getting halfway through a project and realizing it wasn't going to be as inexpensive as you were hoping, but you loved the results anyway?

Every project I start is always forethought as "quick and easy and waaay cheaper than buying pre-made!" And almost everytime I've been wrong. I say almost because the second time I attempted no-sew roman shades, it was much easier.

I bought a thingy of twine about a year ago and have been wanting to wrap it around some random glass vase, but haven't yet. I have a feeling though that it could be my first "quick and easy and way cheaper than those that I saw at Target the other day!" (hello, dejavu!)

Adorable! I had to laugh though that a 30 minute drive to the store would take too long, but waiting days for rope to soak was OK. I would never have the patience for that. LOL. I do think your gorgeous color is way better than any color you would have found at the store. :)

I agree that is totally funny. I guess I meant it was too far to drive back just to purchase fabric dye, so I opted to use something I had on hand... :) Glad I did too since the colors seemed to be just right.

oh my gosh i love this!!! You are so patient too, whenever I start a DIY I always want to finish it THAT day to get the instant gratification haha. hopefully I can muster up some patience and tackle this project

Oh, we could be sisters. I am the same way and get really antsy to get things done right away, my husband often has to keep my excitement and overly optimistic "it will be so quick and easy" attitude in check, lol.

cute cute cute!!! We are SO on the same wave this week!! I just made a trivet by doing the same thing with sisal (posted it this week!), and then made a bowl with the leftover (posting next week!) I love this multicolored basket with rope though, so super cute! What will we do next?!?! ;)

Brilliant! You always know just what a space needs (for both aesthetics and function), and I love that your home gets transformed gradually and with patience and thought. Question: did you cover the bottom of the outside of the basket with rope, or did you stop when the sides were all covered? Probably a minor detail, but I was just curious. Thank you! Anita Y. in Southern California

Great idea and it looks so pretty. I wonder if you could get a large cheapie plastic planter to wrap the rope around. It might be a little sturdier, but more expensive. And for a brighter rope color, maybe use liquid Rit dye? At any rate, this is awesome and I love the look and texture! Great job!

That is a great idea! Near me, at least, plastic planters are on sale from their already cheap prices (the kind that are made to look like terra cotta). They might be slightly different shapes but I think they'd be a good option.

The blue duvet was from Pottery Barn about two years ago, they only have the swatch online now: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/painterly-paisley-bedding-swatch/?pkey=e|Painterly%2BPaisley|1|best|0|viewall|24||1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

Great idea! You could also line the inside of the basket if you are really motivated and willing to spend a little more money. That way it doesn't look like a basket with rope around it on the inside. Just an idea that popped into my head when I read that part. :)

Very cute! Had a few questions for you:* Your guest room looks completely different - different bedding; different lamp; different mirror - do you utilize in your house in a different area or just replace?* when you say "we" - are you meaning your assistant or your hubby?:-)

The duvet bedding is actually the same, however, I swapped out the blanket to a coverlet we already had and brought up a throw pillow from our Master Bedroom {since I am on the hunt for something different down there}. Most items just get moved around the home or are inexpensive finds {like that lamp, only $9 from a thrift store!} I did splurge on the mirror {$25 from HomeGoods} since I stole the other one from the guest room and put it in our kitchen. :)

And yes, "we" is my Mr. and I. He is always around to give me a behind the scenes helping hand. :)

The blue duvet was from Pottery Barn about two years ago, they only have the swatch online now: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/painterly-paisley-bedding-swatch/?pkey=e|Painterly%2BPaisley|1|best|0|viewall|24||1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-

This is an amazing idea! I never would have thought of that. Great Job Jen! This basket is great. I am always impressed with how you work color into your home. I used to be an all neutral PB girl but I am slowly starting to work color in (much to the hubs' delight). Though sometimes I think adding color still scares me! Thanks for always inspiring me to keep trying and get it right so it looks great.

That looks fantastic, Jen! I like yours a lot more than the one from the store! I've done something similar, but never thought to dye the rope. Do you think the paint would come off if it ever got wet?

This is beautiful--I love it! Of course, I look at the hot glue gun pictures and am traumatized by the memory of me burning myself with one the one time I tried to use it (I was 7). Really limits my DIY capabilities.... :)

When I was a kid my mom used to make rag wrapped rope baskets. They weren't too hard...bet they would be really cute now if you made them with modern prints instead of the country ones that were in style at the time

I think $20 for that beautiful basket is AMAZING! I also think that your guest room is nicer than most hotels I've been to. It makes me sad that your guest bedroom is prettier than my main bedroom! If only I could hire you to beautify my home.

Great project, looks fab in your room! I love your craft ideas and recently put a spin on your armoire 'Pinterest pinboard' by covering a corkboard in some old denim, using the jeans pocket for extra storage - I thought you might like to see http://tidyawaytoday.wordpress.com/

I actually like the one you made better then the store bought one. ( Don't get me wrong, that one is pretty too.) I am in love with the one you made and I plan on making a couple myself. I don't think 20.00 is really bad at all. Thanks for the tutorial and idea.

I have a "dry cleaning" hamper I've been wanting to dress up lately. I had planned on sewing a liner until iI saw this! I love it - such a cute idea and I'm able to bring in texture to the room at the same time!

I have had this idea pinned for a while and wanted to get started on it. What type of rope did you use? I am having trouble finding some that seems soft enough and not so much like the rope used in elementary-gym-rope-climbing days.

Hi. I loved this basket the moment I saw it. I ordered some rope on ebay (20 yards at 7mm thick) but it is not enough to cover the basket. In total I paid $19 bucks for it. I am so disappointed because I have been so eager to start this project for our new nursery and I have to postpone now. So I was wondering if you could tell me where and what size rope you purchased? It would help me out alot. Thanks!

Advice on rope....go to a local habitat for humanity store. Seriously. I got a 50ft pack of rope for a $1.15 and if you have a membership card (it's free) or bring your own reusable bag they will give you 10% off! Seriously!

Beautiful project. As for the inside, you could line with fabric to cover the plastic basket. The gluing seems most boring, did you consider carpet glue or carpet tape. Both will add to the total cost, BUT would make your life easier.

It takes a TRUE DIYer to turn a $1 basket into $20 of material and days of work for what you could buy at Walmart for less; HOWEVER, we would not feel the pride of creating such a beautiful item.

Hi, I'm new at the whole organizing, and I was wondering if this will work as a toy Bin also. The one I have is all busted up, and trying to figure something else out is not working to well. I Love the way it came out and it is so Beautiful. See I have 2 boys and if it would work what colors should I use to give that Masculine Look. :-D Coming from my Husband. Lol

I read through the comments & even tried zooming in on your bag of rope. =-) However, I couldn't find where it said, nor where you answered this question. So, here's hoping you'll answer it this time. =-)

How much rope did you use all to gather, or how much was in the package, since you said it took about 6 or 7 packs????? Also, do you know the width of the rope you used, as I find it comes in two widths.

So sorry, it's been so long since I did this project, that I don't recall total rope yardage or thickness, I no longer have the packaging.

Again, so so sorry. It may be best to over purchase and return what is not used so you are not having to make multiple trips to the fabric store. Also, it may depend on the size of the basket you end up using.

How did you connect the rope sections so that it came out so nice? Did you tie them together and hide the knot on the inside or carefully cut the ends and glue together? It came out so beautifully and I want to make it.

I absolutely love it.. I cant wait to jump in and create some beauties of my own.. and dont mind if i do.. n i will definitely share with you what you hv inspired me to do.. coz i am in absolute dire need of some storage bins.. Lets just hope i will be able to do it as well as you did.. coz I am terrrrrrrible at DIYs :)

hi! Just stumbled across your website and love it! I just started some DIY projects and I wanted to rope a basket. Out of curiosity, why do you mix paint and water to dye the rope and not just use paint? Also, does the rope harden after you dyed it?

I was aiming to get the effect of a dye without having to drive to the craft store to purchase it. So, I improvised and thought that paint would add soft color, while the water would help it absorb into the rope vs. harden on the outside of the rope. It seemed to work great! The rope did not harden, which was exactly what I was hoping for.

Didn't read all the posts, so not sure if someone said this already, since you are handy with a glue gun, get some fabric and hot glue it on the inside of the basket before you adhere the rope on the outside. I am going to make this basket! I knit and always need a place for blankets!

Did you coil the rope on the bottom of the basket or just end it where it would touch the floor when set upright?Also, I'm thinking I could use fabric glue & muslin (or something) under the last row of rope on the inside for a liner!

I just stumbled upon your Blog and I love your organizing ideas! This basket is so pretty and I think I will try it. It will go perfect with my Beachy Coastal theme for my new house. I might make a fabric liner and attach it with velcro. I am an artist and sell my digital images on Etsy.https://www.etsy.com/shop/pattiescreations

Hi! I have a question, where do you get the cotton cord rope from? I just bought the basket today because I love this idea and I looked for the rope at Michaels but it was $10.00 for not very much :( So I was wondering where you got this from?

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